Full Name: Charles Albert Rader
But please call me: Charles
Born where and when: in Richland County, Ohio; April 23
Family facts: I grew up on a farm as 1 of 6 children. I married Virginia Gooding, and together we have 4 children and 5 grandchildren.
Education: Graduate of: Asbury College; Asbury Theological Seminary; and Hamma Divinity School.
How I became a Christian: through reading a Gideon New Testament; and attending a revival at Steam Corners Methodist Church as a teenager.
How I ended up at First Church: I was invited by Rev. Thad McGehee and First Church to be visitation pastor, starting in September of 1999. I had retired from full-time ministry in 1997 at Newark Neal Ave. UMC.
The most important thing I do around here is: I visit folks in hospitals, nursing homes, private homes; I am also the church staff liaison for the Candle Lighters (our seniors group).
My vision for the future of First Church is: proclaiming Christ as Savior & Lord in a variety of ways in order to encourage people of all ages to accept Him into their lives; and helping people grow in their relationship with Christ so they can be His hands and feet wherever needed.
One way folks can pray for me is: that I will continually grow in my own faith and nurture others in theirs.